Where Is the Ntsevu Breakaway Female? – Londolozi Blog

As the Ntsevu Males continue to carve out their place in the north, a question has surfaced: where is the sister who once roamed alongside them?

For many months, the lioness was a constant presence with her brothers, learning to hunt and growing into a formidable lioness. Now, with the males having moved on, she has also begun her own journey.

A Solitary Start, with New Company

Initially, she was seen roaming alone, navigating the challenges of life as a nomadic lioness. A relatively unfamiliar existence as lions know it. Being gregarious animals by nature, surviving and thriving in groups, and having a lioness spend lengthy periods alone, she would undoubtedly find this more challenging than what she was used to. But as we know just how adaptable these animals can be, it will be a quick transition.

However, more recently, reports of her spending time with the Styx Young Male have surfaced. Although he is not yet a dominant male, his presence offers some company and a much-needed alliance for the time being. Together, they’ve been hanging around the southeastern parts of Londolozi, often moving along the Sand River.

This partnership, while temporary, has been fruitful. The duo has successfully brought down a few buffalo, proving that they are thriving in this small pride. Having another lion around, even one not fully established, makes life just a little bit easier for her than it would be if she were completely alone. Hunting becomes easier and more successful, effort vs reward increases, and the ability to detect, protect and defend against danger is drastically improved.

What’s Next for Her?

As a sexually mature lioness, she will eventually seek out a more permanent mate, but for now, this partnership with the Styx Young Male is providing her the support she needs. The lion dynamics in the area are fluid, and her fate will depend on her ability to avoid dominant females in the area.

Our hope is that she is eventually accepted into another pride, however, the nearest pride and most likely for her to encounter are the Kambula Pride. Although relatives of hers would see her as a threat to their cubs and would probably show immense hostility towards her. If any pride were to accept her, the Ntsevu Pride would have the strongest chance with her being the daughter of the one female in the Pride, but with the time that has passed since they were last together, the bonds between them will have worn thin.

Another possibility, albeit a very slim chance is to join up with the Tsalala Lioness. In my opinion, sadly this is highly unlikely. With the Tsalala Female now raising a litter of her own, she would not take any risks or chances of losing those cubs to a lioness she does not know and trust.

The Ntsevu Young Female looks on as the Styx Young Male feeds on a buffalo calf.

So for now I think that this alone lioness will live out the next while as a solitary lion and could potentially follow the footsteps of the Tsalala Lioness and try raise cubs of her own by herself when the time comes.

A Strong Future Ahead

While we may not know how long she will remain with the Styx Young Male, one thing is certain: this lioness has inherited the strength and resilience of her lineage. Whether she remains solitary, continues her partnership with him, or finds new alliances, her future is filled with potential.

For now, she and the Styx Young Male have carved out their own corner of Londolozi, thriving on their hunting successes and proving that even temporary alliances can be powerful in the lion kingdom.